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No—not by plugging an Ethernet cable into ordinary HDMI and network ports. A Cat5e or Cat6 cable can carry an HDMI signal only when compatible transmitter and receiver hardware is installed at each end. A standard Ethernet network connection is a different setup: HDMI over IP encodes video for network delivery and decodes it at the display.
What “HDMI over Ethernet” can mean
“Ethernet cable” often refers to category cable such as Cat5e or Cat6 with RJ45 connectors. That describes the cable, not what signal it carries. Depending on the equipment, category cable may serve as a dedicated point-to-point link, an HDBaseT link, or part of a switched IP network. Those approaches are not interchangeable.
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- Dedicated extender: A transmitter converts the HDMI signal for a direct category-cable run; a receiver restores it at the display. Some kits must connect directly and will not work through a network switch.
- HDBaseT: A point-to-point audiovisual transport standard over category cable. Depending on the generation and equipment, it can also carry control, Ethernet, USB, or power.
- HDMI over IP (AV over IP): An encoder prepares HDMI for delivery across an IP network, and a decoder at the display restores it. This is the networked approach, often used for multi-display or scalable distribution.
For example, AV Access says its 4KEX100-L transmitter and receiver require a direct connection and do not work through a switch. Its Ethernet pass-through feature does not make the video link switch-routed HDMI over IP. See the manufacturer’s product details and connection FAQ.
Which connection suits your setup?
| Option | How it works | Typical fit | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longer HDMI cable | Connects the HDMI source directly to the display. | A straightforward source-to-display connection where the required run is supported. | Required length, supported video format, and installation constraints. |
| Point-to-point HDMI extender over category cable | Uses a transmitter and receiver linked by a dedicated Cat cable. | One source and one display separated by a longer run. | Cable category and length, supported video and audio, HDCP, power, and whether a direct connection is required. |
| HDBaseT | Carries audiovisual signals over category cable; capabilities vary by generation and device. | A fixed home or professional AV link. | HDBaseT version, cable type, supported format at the intended distance, and endpoint compatibility. |
| HDMI over IP / AV over IP | Encodes HDMI for network transport and decodes it at the destination. | Multi-display, matrix, or expandable distribution. | Codec and latency, network capacity, multicast/IGMP, PoE, VLANs, controller, and endpoint limits. |
How far can HDBaseT carry video?
Distance depends on the HDBaseT generation, cable, video format, and the specific product. The HDBaseT Alliance’s published specifications give these examples; they are specification statements, not independent test results, and a product’s manual determines its supported installation limits.
#1 Best Overall
- 4K HDMI Extender: The OREI EX-170C is a reliable 4K HDMI over Ethernet extender that transmits uncompressed video and audio up to 230 ft (70 m) at 1080P or 131 ft (40 m) at 4K@30Hz over a single CAT5e/6/7 cable, reducing the need for long HDMI cable runs
- Smooth 4K Video: This HDMI extender uses reliable video transmission technology to support resolutions up to 4K@30Hz (NOT 4K@60Hz) and 1080p over long distances, with 10.2 Gbps bandwidth, HDMI 1.4, and HDCP 1.4; HDMI loop out enables local display monitoring while extending content to a remote screen; EDID copy helps optimize display compatibility
- Easy Remote Control: This HDMI over CAT6 extender supports one-way IR pass-through, allowing control of Blu-ray players, streaming devices, media players, and set-top boxes from the receiver location; one-way Power over Cable (PoC) requires only one power adapter at the transmitter for a cleaner installation
- Wide Device Compatibility: Works with TVs, monitors, projectors, gaming consoles, media players, AV receivers, and CCTV systems; helps maintain stable HDMI signals where intermittent signal issues may occur; ideal for 4K CCTV extension over long distances, home theaters, conference rooms, classrooms, digital signage, and presentations; not compatible with HDMI ARC
- What You Get: HDMI transmitter and receiver, IR blaster cable, IR receiver cable, 12 V power adapter and user manual; durable metal housing supports dependable operation; use a direct CAT5e or CAT6 cable connection for optimal performance and avoid network switches or routers; Performance depends on cable and devices. Not IP/network based
- HDBaseT 1.0: The Alliance lists 1080p up to 100 m (328 ft) over Cat5e and higher; its 4K figures vary by cable, including up to 70 m (230 ft) over Cat5e and up to 100 m (328 ft) for select Cat6a.
- HDBaseT 2.0: The Alliance lists 4K30 4:4:4 or 4K60 4:2:0 up to 100 m (328 ft) over Cat6, or 90 m (295 ft) over Cat5e.
- HDBaseT 3.0: The Alliance lists uncompressed 4K60 4:4:4 up to 100 m (328 ft), with full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet, and recommends Cat6a U/FTP.
These figures do not mean that any Ethernet cable or extender will carry every 4K signal for 100 metres. Consult the HDBaseT Alliance technology and specifications and the exact extender manual for the cable and format you plan to use.
What an IP-based AV system needs
HDMI over IP can distribute video through network equipment, but it is not simply an HDMI extender connected to any router or switch. Depending on the system, installation may require sufficient port speed and switching capacity, multicast/IGMP support, adequate uplinks, VLAN planning, PoE, a controller, and compliance with encoder and decoder limits. Some systems compress video because uncompressed HDMI data can exceed common network capacity; compression, image quality, and latency vary by product.
Rank #2
- Distribute 1 HDMI Source to 4 HDMI displays over Cat6 network cable simultaneously, 1 in 4 out splitter receivers with power over cable feature and 4K@30Hz upto 165 ft - no adapter needed to power the receivers.
- HDMI Transmitter is equipped with 4 port Cat6 output. And 1 additional HDMI output to connect to a local display or monitor.
- IR Remote Control. Supports 2060Hz IR pass back, control a DVD player or other HDMI video source from a remote location with the included IR cables that forward commands over a dedicated DDC Channel.
- Plug & play setup without any software installation. Compatible with Cat6/6a/7 network cables. The highest resolution supported is 1920×1080@60hz, ideal solution for HDMI exhibition, video conference, meeting rooms and bars,, act.
- Includes: 1 x Transmitter, 4 x Receivers, 1 x Power adapter, 1 x IR Blaster Cable, 4 x IR Receiver Cables, 1 x User Manual. 1 Year OREI Manufacturer's warranty. This unit requires only one power adapter to work
Check the manufacturer’s design guide and confirm that the proposed network topology and settings are supported. A direct-link extender that uses category cable should not be plugged into a live network unless its documentation explicitly allows it.
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- Confirm the exact resolution, refresh rate, and chroma format supported at your intended cable length.
- Check the required cable category, construction, and maximum run length in the product manual.
- Verify HDCP and the audio formats your source and display need.
- Look for explicit support if you need ARC or eARC, control pass-through, power delivery, or Ethernet pass-through.
- Confirm whether the endpoints require a direct connection or are designed for a switch-based IP network.
- Check that the transmitter and receiver are compatible with each other; a similar connector does not establish protocol compatibility.
A paired HDBaseT transmitter/receiver kit is one category to consider for a single source and display over a dedicated run. As one example—not a recommendation for every setup—the AV Access 4KEX100-L product page lists its supported features and says it does not support ARC. Read the exact model’s manual rather than relying on a listing that only says “HDMI over Ethernet.”
Rank #3
- 【1080P 60HZ HDMI EXTENDER】— Extend Full HD video and audio up to 164FT/50M over one Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat7 cable. This HDMI over Ethernet extender supports 1080P at 60Hz and 3D for home, office, classroom and commercial AV installations.
- 【POWER OVER CABLE WITH POWER ADAPTER INCLUDED】 PoC technology sends power from the transmitter to the receiver through the connected Ethernet cable, so only one power adapter is required—and it is included in the package. Reduce power-cord clutter around wall-mounted TVs, projectors and remote displays.
- 【EDID COPY FOR DISPLAY COMPATIBILITY 】 The built-in EDID copy function reads and stores display information to help the HDMI transmitter and receiver establish the correct resolution and deliver a stable video signal across long cable runs.
- 【UNCOMPRESSED HDMI OVER CAT6】 Transmit high-definition HDMI video and audio over a single network cable without converting the signal into streaming video. Ideal as an HDMI Cat6 extender, HDMI balun or HDMI-to-Cat6 converter for point-to-point connections.
- 【PLUG AND PLAY TX RX KIT】 Connect the HDMI source to the transmitter, run one Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7 cable to the receiver, and connect the receiver to the display. Compatible with PCs, laptops, DVD players, media players, TVs, monitors and projectors. No software or drivers required.
Bottom line
You cannot replace HDMI by connecting a regular Ethernet port to an HDMI port. Category cable can extend HDMI with compatible endpoints, while HDMI over IP requires equipment and a network designed for AV transport. Choose based on whether you need one dedicated source-to-display link or a switched, multi-endpoint system, then verify the precise format, distance, and topology in the product documentation.
For a terminology overview, see AV Access’s guide to HDMI over Ethernet, HDBaseT, and HDMI over IP.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ✅ 1080p@60Hz HDMI Extension Up to 200ft – Extend full HD video over a single Cat5e/6 cable with zero latency for smooth, real-time signal transmission. For maximum 200ft distance, Cat6/7 cable is recommended.
- ✅ 6.75Gbps High-Speed Data Transmission – Supports HDMI 1.4 and HDCP 1.4 with 36-bit Deep Color for enhanced picture quality, plus digital audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital (EDID copy required for compatibility).
- ✅ Wide Video Format Compatibility – Supports HDCP 1.2/1.4 and multiple resolutions including 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p/576i, and 480p/480i, plus 3D video for versatile viewing options.
- ✅ Optimized Performance with Cat6/7 Cable – For the best picture quality, signal stability, and long-distance transmission, use Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet cables. For optimal results, J-Tech Digital customized Cat6 cables are recommended (available in multiple lengths).
- ✅ Free Lifetime Technical Support: All J-Tech Digital products include a One-Year Manufacturer Replacement Warranty and free lifetime technical support from our customer support team located in Sugar Land, TX. Support is available from 9AM – 6PM CST, Monday through Friday. Contact information available on our seller page.
Rank #4
- 【HDMI Extender over CAT6】This plug and play HDMI extender help you transmit high-resolution video and audio simultaneously, for 196ft transmit via oxygen free copper CAT6 LAN cable. Zero Video Latency, making it a great choice for outdoor or indoor, project, video conference.Support resolution of 1080p
- 【EDID copy】The EDID copy function allows the signal source and the display to be connected without obstacles, and to obtain the best matching image and sound.
- 【HDMI Lossless Transmission】Support resolution up to 1080p@60hz and distance up to 196ft between the sender and receiver unit; ensure crystal clear & distortion-Free & no latency, we recommend to use oxygen free copper Cat 6 cable; Support audio format: DTS - HD/Dolby-true HD/DTS/Dolby-AC3/DSD.
- 【High compatibility & Multi-scene applications】Built-in automatic adjustment system and ESD protection system. Compatible with PC, game console, Blu-ray player, media player, etc.; It can be widely used in the area of education, outdoor or indoor LED display screens, project, video conference, metro, multimedia home theater, etc.
- 【Considerate service】We provide a 1-year free warranty on all of our products. please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our product, our professional engineers will be in touch within 12 hours to answer your questions.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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